Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships

Deadline

February 1, 2025, at 4pm PT

Annual Value

$12,000 to $15,000

Citizenship

Canadian

Permanent Resident

International

Degree Level

Masters

Doctoral

The Mackenzie King Scholarships were set up under the will of the Rt. Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King (1874-1950), who was Prime Minister of Canada 1921-26, 1926-30, and 1935-48.

Two classes of Mackenzie King Scholarship are available to graduates of Canadian universities: the Open Scholarship and the Travelling Scholarship. Both are to support graduate study.

The Open Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in any discipline, in Canada or elsewhere. One Open Scholarship is awarded each year. The value has recently been about $12,000 but it is subject to change. The Travelling Scholarship is available to graduates of Canadian universities who pursue graduate study in the United States or the United Kingdom in the areas of international relations or industrial relations. Recently four scholarships of $13,500 each have been awarded annually, but the number and the amount are subject to change.

Eligibility

The Mackenzie King Open Scholarship is open to graduates of any Canadian university who engage in (commence or continue) graduate study (master's or doctoral) in any field, in Canada or elsewhere.
The Mackenzie King Travelling Scholarship is open to graduates of any Canadian university who engage in (commence or continue) graduate study (master's or doctoral) in the United States or the United Kingdom, of international relations* or industrial relations (including the international or industrial relations aspects of law, history, politics and economics).
Important: You must be a graduate (holder of a degree) of a Canadian university when tenure of the scholarship begins (typically in September). If you will not be a holder of a Canadian degree by September 2025, you are not eligible to apply. This nuance in the eligibility requirements is the primary reason for rejected applications.
- For example, a student whose prior degrees are from international institutions but is currently studying at UBC (and is applying for the scholarship to fund their current UBC degree) would not be eligible to apply, as they are not a holder of a degree (graduate) of a Canadian university.

*The Mackenzie King Selection Committee interprets both terms broadly. The program does not have to be called “international relations” or “industrial relations.” For example, studies in Law, History, or Development Studies qualify as international relations as long as they are focused to a substantial extent on relationships between states.

Other funding

A candidate may not hold a Mackenzie King Scholarship at the same time as other scholarships without the written approval of the Board of Scholarship Trustees. This approval is usually given provided that the candidate’s total scholarship support, including the Mackenzie King Scholarship, does not exceed a maximum amount defined by the Board. Lately the maximum amount has been the candidate’s expected tuition fees plus C$18,000, but it is subject to change.

Evaluation Criteria

The awards will be based on high academic achievements (typically all A’s or very nearly so), personal qualities, and demonstrated aptitudes. Consideration will also be given to the applicant’s proposed program of study.

Application Procedures

Applications must be made to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of your home university*. This is the Canadian university from which you most recently graduated or at which you are currently enrolled. You may apply for both scholarships (Travelling, Open) with a single application if you meet the eligibility criteria for both. Please note that these scholarships are for the upcoming academic year (September 2025 to August 2026).

* UBC Okanagan students: Please submit your complete application to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the Vancouver campus (follow the application procedures outlined below).

A complete application package (including references) must be submitted by 4:00 pm PT on 1 February 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A complete application consists of the following:

Submitted by applicant - SUBMIT APPLICATION HERE

The completed application form.
- The application form must be signed at the bottom of the page.
As indicated in the application form, Sheet A ('Supplementary information on academic achievements and experience')
As indicated in the application form, Sheet B ('Personal statement')
Official, up-to-date transcripts from all post-secondary studies
- UBC transcript:
  - Request the “Advising Transcript” from your UBC graduate program. Official UBC transcripts ordered from Enrollment Services are also acceptable. Grade summaries downloaded from Workday (or past copies from SSC) are not acceptable.
  - The UBC transcript must show Winter Term 2 (ie. January 2025) course registration.
- Other transcripts:
  - Only official transcripts are accepted
    - Unofficial transcripts (i.e., missing registrar’s stamp and/or watermark) are not acceptable
  - “All post-secondary studies” includes transcripts from transfer credit courses and exchange or study abroad terms. The transcripts from those institutions must be provided.
  - Foreign transcripts: For applicants including foreign transcripts, if the transcripts are not presented in one of Canada’s two official languages (English or French), a certified translation must be provided, in addition to the official transcripts in its original language.
  - Your UBC graduate program may have some of your transcripts on file already; if so, well in advance of the application deadline, you must confirm with your UBC graduate program which transcripts the program has on file and can provide to support the Mackenzie King application, and which transcripts you must still order from their prior institutions. Note: The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies does not provide transcripts for award applications.
- Up to date transcripts: Up-to-date transcripts are defined as transcripts dated or issued in the spring 2025 session (if currently registered) or after the last term completed (if not currently registered).
- All transcripts must include one copy of the transcript key/legend (typically found on the back of each paper transcript page)

Submitted by applicant’s chosen referees – SUBMIT REFERENCE HERE (Applicants: Share this link with your referees. This link is for referees use only; applicants must not submit a reference on behalf of a referee)

Three letters of reference:
- The letters should be from persons who have an intimate knowledge of your record and ability and are able to give a critical evaluation of your plans for graduate study.
- At least two of these testimonials must be from persons under whom you have taken your major work at university, or from senior colleagues with whom you have been associated in academic teaching or research.
- Note: Reference letters must include the author's signature and should be on official letterhead (where possible).
References must be submitted by the application deadline. Follow up with your referees as appropriate to ensure that your references are submitted on time.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials (including transcripts and reference letters) are received by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the deadline.

Adjudication Procedures

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies will review all applications received and forward to the Mackenzie King Board of Scholarship Trustees a short-list of recommended candidates together with their applications. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of this internal competition in March. Decisions in the national competition are usually announced by the end of August. The award decisions will be made by, and at the sole discretion of, the Mackenzie King Board of Scholarship Trustees.

Further Information

For application forms, instructions and further information, please visit the Mackenzie King Scholarships website.

Should you have questions about the application procedures, please contact Joan Toledo (joan.toledo@ubc.ca).